City in north-central Algeria with 100,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate), between the Hodna Mountains and the Hodna depression and salt lake, at an elevation of 470 metres.It is the capital of M'Sila province with 900,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate) and an area of 18,718 km².M'sila is the centre of a farming district, serving as the trade centre. The main products of the region are leather products, cereals like wheat and barley, goat and sheep meat and dates.M'sila is well-connected with other urban centres by road. Bou-Saada is 70 km southwest, Bordj Bou Arreridj is 60 km northeast and Setif 130 km northeast.M'sila is dominated by modern low-rise buildings. The region of M'sila is dominated by salt lakes (chotts). The Hammadid capital of the 11th century, Kalaa Beni Hammad, lies 30 km northeast of M'sila.